Mt. Diablo school board appoints interim superintendent

CONCORD -- The Mt. Diablo school board on Monday appointed John Bernard as interim superintendent through Sept. 30 and selected Leadership Associates to conduct its search for a permanent superintendent.

But trustees postponed voting on separation agreements with ousted Superintendent Steven Lawrence and General Counsel Greg Rolen until June 3. Trustee Brian Lawrence was unable to participate in the meeting because his out-of-town location was not posted on the agenda 72 hours before the meeting, as required by law.

The board also approved two controversial lease-leaseback agreements for facility improvements. One member of the public spoke in favor of the agreements, saying they can save money. But two other members of the public said they think the district needs to do a better job of getting a variety of bids, since the contracts do not require competitive bidding.